Cultivating Spiritual Discipline: Guiding Counselees to be Rooted in the Word and Prayer
In her article, Susan Heck offers insight on how biblical counselors can guide their counselees to develop consistent habits of Scripture reading and prayer. These spiritual disciplines are essential for Christian growth and victory over sin, and Heck presents practical methods for fostering these habits in those seeking biblical guidance. You can read the full article here.
Desiring and Delighting in God’s Word
Heck begins by questioning whether the counselee has a true desire and delight in God’s Word. She encourages counselors to help their counselees reflect on whether their time in Scripture is a joy or a burden, pointing them back to Scripture’s life-giving role. If counselees lack this appetite, Heck advises exploring the reasons behind it, including potential idols that may be hindering spiritual growth.
Identifying and Removing Idols
Often, other interests, habits, or relationships can take the place of God in a believer’s life. Heck stresses that counselors need to help their counselees identify what they are prioritizing over time in the Word and prayer. Whether it be entertainment, work, or even family, these “idols” must be put away for the counselee to regain focus on God.
Investing Ample Time in Spiritual Disciplines
Heck urges counselors to assess how much time their counselees are truly dedicating to God’s Word and prayer. A superficial approach won’t foster the deep spiritual growth they desire. By reminding counselees of Jesus’ example—rising early to pray and spending entire nights in prayer—Heck encourages a more committed and sacrificial approach to spiritual discipline.
Building Daily Habits
Spiritual discipline, like any other habit, requires intentionality. Heck suggests that counselees incorporate Scripture reading and prayer into their daily routines, much like brushing their teeth or going to work. A disciplined life in godliness, as stated in 1 Timothy 4:7, requires deliberate practice and consistency.
The Importance of Hermeneutics
Heck emphasizes the need for proper Bible study methods, encouraging counselees to seek guidance on interpreting Scripture accurately. Without understanding the proper rules of interpretation, Bible study can be shallow and unfruitful. Serious, diligent study is essential for rightly handling the Word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15).
Prayer Throughout the Study Process
Prayer is not just an activity separate from study—it should permeate the entire process. Heck reminds counselors to encourage their counselees to pray before, during, and after reading Scripture, seeking the Spirit’s guidance in understanding and applying the text.
Relying on the Holy Spirit
Rather than immediately turning to commentaries or external sources, Heck suggests that counselees should first rely on the Holy Spirit as their teacher. In John 16:13, Jesus promises that the Holy Spirit will guide believers into all truth, making Him the primary source of wisdom during study.
Continuous Growth in Knowledge
Heck advises that counselees should be growing in their knowledge of God year after year. This growth should be evident in both their understanding of Scripture and in their personal lives. 2 Peter 3:18 calls believers to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord,” a process that should be ongoing.
Avoiding Spiritual Pride
A common trap for spiritually mature believers is comparing their knowledge to others. Heck warns that counselors should be on guard against this, reminding counselees that true spiritual maturity is marked by humility and a desire for continual growth, as Paul expresses in 2 Corinthians 10:12.
Applying What They’ve Learned
Finally, Heck encourages counselees to apply what they learn by teaching others. Whether through Bible study, discipleship, or counseling relationships, believers should pass on the truths they are discovering in God’s Word. Titus 2 serves as a model for this, with older men and women teaching younger generations.
For a more detailed exploration of these ideas, you can read the full article by Susan Heck here.
